Herman A. Sleizer

Herman August Sleizer died Aug. 13, 2007, at the age of 99. He was born in Sauk Rapids, Minn., and spent his early years in Libby. He lived most of his adult life in Spokane, Wash.

He earned a Teacher's Credential at Cheney Normal School and a Masters degree at the University of Washington. He taught for 10 years at Kelso High School, and then over 30 years as a history teacher at Rogers High School in Spokane.

At his retirement from Rogers, he was awarded a certificate of perfect attendance.

While at Cheney, he met and married Rose Loomis, and they enjoyed 58 years of life together, raising three children. Rose and the children all attended North Central High School in Spokane.

Herman was predeceased by his wife Rose and sons Larry and Kent. He is survived by his daughter Rosemary Blakemore of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren Lori Flora, Todd Sleizer and Molly Richman; four step-grandchildren; brother Art Sleizer and sister Harriet Wainz; several nieces and nephews and a long-time dance partner, traveling companion and caregiver, Violet Garbarino. His family will be forever grateful for Vi's attention and devotion to Herman.

Herman coached tennis and other sports during his teaching years, and played tennis regularly into his 80s.

He was a hunter, fisherman and an avid gardener. He was a vocal observer of national and world affairs and a loyal Democrat. As his eyesight failed, he continued reading the daily newspaper. He danced the week before he died.

At his request, there will be no services. His family is planning to celebrate his life on March 7, 2008, which would have been his 100th birthday, a goal he hoped to achieve.